Raila Odinga. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Monday faced hostility in his Siaya County backyard, where he had gone to push the opposition’s agenda.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader was forced to cut short his address in Rarieda, after youths allied to area MP Nicholas Gumbo, eyeing the governorship, pelted stones at the gathering.
The youths, credible reports say, were irked by Raila’s call for six-piece voting pattern for his party’s candidates.
“This is my passionate appeal to you Siaya residents, I need you to elect only ODM candidates and increase my lieutenants who will enable me to preside over an effective government,” said the former Prime Minister at Aram trading center.
His calls did not go down well with Gumbo’s supporters.
Gumbo lost to Governor Cornel Rasanga in ODM primaries, and will be seeking the county’s top job as an independent candidate.
The youths were angered when Raila invited Rasanga to address them.
They chanted in support for MP Gumbo and woman representative candidate Florence Aluodo – both independent candidates.
Efforts to calm down the youths were fruitless, forcing Raila and other leaders including - Musalia Mudavadi, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Senators James Orengo (Siaya) and Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) – to flee the chaotic area.
Police were forced to intervene and Gumbo, Rasanga supporters clashed.
The leaders abandoned the rally after chaos took center stage and proceeded to Siaya town where they concluded the rally.
Some of the residents are unhappy with Raila for forcing his preferred candidates on them.
They say Raila should accept the people’s choices.
Raila’s cousin, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, and Gumbo are leading a rebellion against ODM in Siaya, after being “rigged out” in the nominations.